MORE than 300 children from schools across the district excelled in a tag rugby event at Corbridge. 

First, primary, and middle school-age pupils took part in the annual Tynedale Level 2 School Games tournament.

And the full-day event, at the home of Tynedale RFC last Thursday, was hailed a success.

The first and primary school tournament took place in the morning, involving 16 schools. 

Wylam First School were the victors of a closely-run final, which finished 5-3 against Chollerton First School. 

Active Northumberland’s Damien Dimmick, who is the School Games organiser for Tynedale, said: “It was a really entertaining final. However the main point to make here is that there were 16 first and primary Schools in attendance in the morning collectively bringing over 200 children to play and enjoy the game.”

In the afternoon, it was the turn of the district’s middle school pupils to showcase their skills, and they responded with a high standard display of tag rugby. 

The overall winners of a round-robin tournament were Ovingham Middle School. 

The day’s two winning teams, Ovingham and Wylam, will both qualify for the Level 3 County Finals in June 2019, and will represent Tynedale in their respective age groups. 

Damien praised host club Tynedale for providing the venue, and also thanked all involved with the organisation of the day. 

He added: “A big well done to everyone who came and our winners from the day. Results were again close and the standard very high.

“We had a group of outstanding sports leaders from QEHS. 

“We had excellent support from the club. They provided the venue, facilities and several adult club volunteers who came along to support on the day.

“This was invaluable and truly humbling support.”

Numbers were up significantly on last year, and Damien is delighted that the event continues to grow. 

Tag rugby is a minimal contact version of the game, and is an effective way of introducing rugby to younger children. The national School Games programme promotes school competitions.